The Griffith Blacks have put together a much improved second half to overcome Wagga City 50-26 at Exies Oval on Sunday afternoon.
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The Blacks got the scoring underway when Epeli Deama was able to make the most of a Wagga City mistake to score in the corner, but it was shortlived as Wagga City hit back quickly.
They were able to use their strength to push a rolling maul over the line and got the ball down.
They try for try nature of the game continued until halftime with the sides going into the break level on 19 points each.
Blacks coach Craig Morriss was not impressed by his side’s performance in the first half.
“I don't think we prepared well and we just didn't play anywhere near the structure that we needed to,” he said.
“We have been a bit that way. We have a hard game one week, and then the next week we find it hard to get up the next game.
“We just need to be consistent. We spoke about it last week, and it is the same this week.”
The home side fell behind after the break with Wagga City taking full advantage of having an extra player with Griffith’s Johnny Brown in the sin-bin for a professional foul.
That was where the success ended for City as the Blacks were able to score five unanswered tries.
Deama completed his double while Siaone Ahomana crossed twice with Karitua Woetai, Alapati Taifai, Epeli Serukabaivata and Avealuga Maiava scoring a try each in the 24-point win.
Morriss credited his side’s fighting spirit in the second half.
“They came back and put on 30-odd points in that second half pretty much unanswered I thought was a pretty good effort,” he said.
“We spoke at halftime about needing to regroup and believe in each other and use that momentum, and that is what they have done.”
The introduction of Matthew Parisotto off the bench was inspired as within 60 seconds of being on the field he assisted in his side scoring and Morriss praised the youngster.
“Matt is a great young player with a big future ahead of him,” he said.
“He just puts a spark in when he comes on, and we picked the right time he never lets you down.
“You can't ask much more from a kid than that.”